1 Samuel 28:5
1 Samuel 28:5 in Multiple Translations
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
And when Saul saw the Philistine army he was troubled, and his heart was moved with fear.
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was terrified, shaking with fear.
And when Saul saw the hoste of the Philistims, he was afraid, and his heart was sore astonied.
and Saul seeth the camp of the Philistines, and feareth, and his heart trembleth greatly,
When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
And Saul saw the army of the Plilistines, and was afraid, and his heart was very much dismayed.
When Saul saw the army of Philistia, he became so afraid that his heart pounded/shook.
As soon as he saw the Philistia mob, he was really frightened and confused.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 28:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
שָׁא֖וּל
אֶת
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד
לִבּ֖/וֹ
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cs
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד
chârad
H2729
to tremble
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 28:5
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֥ד
chârad
H2729
"to tremble"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tremble with fear or anxiety, like when the Israelites trembled at Mount Sinai. It can also mean to hasten or be careful. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and other books.
Definition: 1) to tremble, quake, move about, be afraid, be startled, be terrified 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tremble, quake (of a mountain) 1a2) to tremble (of people) 1a3) to be anxiously careful 1a4) to go or come trembling (with prep) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to tremble 1b2) to drive in terror, rout (an army)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 17:2; Isaiah 10:29.
לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 28:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:5
Context — The Philistines Gather against Israel
3Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
4The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.
5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.
6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 57:20–21 | But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” |
| 2 | Daniel 5:6 | his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. |
| 3 | Isaiah 21:3–4 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror. |
| 4 | Isaiah 7:2 | When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. |
| 5 | Psalms 73:19 | How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 6 | Job 15:21 | Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. |
| 7 | Psalms 48:5–6 | They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor. |
| 8 | Proverbs 10:24 | What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. |
| 9 | Job 18:11 | Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step. |
1 Samuel 28:5 Summary
This verse shows that Saul was very scared when he saw the large Philistine army, and he didn't know what to do because he had not been following God's commands. He was like a ship without an anchor, feeling lost and alone, much like what happens when we try to face life's challenges without God's guidance, as seen in Psalm 127:1-2. Saul's fear and trembling remind us that when we try to face our problems on our own, without seeking God's help, we can become overwhelmed and anxious, but when we trust in God, we can have peace and confidence, as promised in Philippians 4:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Saul afraid when he saw the Philistine army?
Saul was afraid because he had not been following the Lord's commands and had removed the spiritual leaders from the land, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:3, leaving him without spiritual guidance or protection, much like what happened in Numbers 14:1-4 when the Israelites rebelled against God's plan.
What does it mean that Saul trembled violently?
Saul's violent trembling indicates the depth of his fear and anxiety, showing that he was overwhelmed by the situation, similar to what David experienced in Psalm 55:4-5 when he was afraid and his heart was in anguish.
Is this the first time Saul faced the Philistines?
No, Saul had faced the Philistines before, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:47, but this time he was without the spiritual guidance of Samuel, who had died, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 28:3.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for Saul's desperate attempt to consult a medium, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:7, because he felt abandoned by God, highlighting the consequences of disobeying God's commands, as warned in Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to face challenges on my own, without seeking God's guidance?
- How do I respond when I am faced with overwhelming situations, and what can I learn from Saul's example?
- What role does fear play in my decision-making, and how can I trust in God's presence and protection, as promised in Isaiah 41:10?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, to avoid feeling overwhelmed and afraid?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:5
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines,.... From the mountains of Gilboa, where he had pitched his camp: he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled; on sight of the numbers of them, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:5
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul saw ... he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
Saul saw the host from Mount Gilboa, . His heart greatly trembled; partly, from the greatness and resoluteness of the host of the Philistines, who were the aggressors; partly, from the loss of David, who might have been of great use to him at this time; partly, from the conscience of his own manifest guilt, and just expectation of Divine vengeance oft threatened, and now in all likelihood to be inflicted upon him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.Ver. 5. He was afraid.] "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness surpriseth the hypocrites": and they run away, if they could tell whither, with these words in their mouths, "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" God himself answereth in the next word. "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly," &c. But Saul was none such; and therefore in his extreme fear he runneth from God to the witch, and from the witch to the sword’ s point. And his heart greatly trembled.] Those that cannot fear for love, shall once tremble for fear: and God shall laugh when such a one’ s fears cometh.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
(5) He was afraid.—There is no doubt that Saul was discouraged when he viewed the enemy’s ranks from the eminence of Gilboa. They were far more numerous than he had expected. But the real reason of his trembling must be looked for in the consciousness that God had forsaken him. Many of the well-known Israelite warriors had, during the late events, taken service with his dreaded rival, David, and David, he knew, was now the vassal of Achish, a Philistine king. We may imagine Saul, the forsaken of God, as be stood on the white chalk hill of Gilboa, gazing on the long lines of Philistine tents pitched on the opposite hill of Shunem, wondering if his old friend was there, with his mighty following, in the division of Gath.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
Verse 5. When Saul saw] He saw from the superiority of his enemies, from the state of his army, and especially from his own state towards God, that he had every thing to fear.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:5
5. he was afraid] The consciousness that “the Spirit of Jehovah had departed from him” made the once brave king a coward.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:5
5. He was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled — He was a skilful and far-sighted general, and he felt that the Philistines had every probability of victory.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual and Carnal Weapons. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the tragic narrative of King Saul's despair when faced with the Philistine army, emphasizing God's silence in response to Saul's inquiries. Saul's fear lead |
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Ii Timothy - Part 1 - Continue in the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the word of God and not being influenced by the world. He reminds Timothy of his past and present loyalty |
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(John - Part 47): Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having faith in God rather than relying on worldly things. He emphasizes that while material possessions and achievements m |
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No Peace for the Wicked by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of King David and his guilt after taking the widow of a fallen soldier as his wife. David felt restless and burdened by his wrongdoi |
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Comfort and Security in Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to the end of the chapter. He begins by explaining that he chose to preach on something comforting |
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Contentment and Covetousness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of rest and contentment in God. It highlights the need to focus on obeying all of God's commandments and claiming His promise |
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The God of Peace by Thomas Wilson | The video is a sermon transcript that covers various topics. It starts with a description of a powerful waterfall and the awe it inspires, relating it to the anticipation of seeing |